John gets big surprise at his birthday bash

One surprise party we certainly weren't going to miss on Friday night was the one for John Mathews from Mill Stream who had no idea a party was being held for his birthday and to celebrate 20 years in business in the Resource Centre and Ages and Stages Crèche in Mullaharlin Park.

One surprise party we certainly weren't going to miss on Friday night was the one for John Mathews from Mill Stream who had no idea a party was being held for his birthday and to celebrate 20 years in business in the Resource Centre and Ages and Stages Crèche in Mullaharlin Park.

John thought he was out for a quiet drink with his sister Theresa Hardy from Ardee Road and when they went in the door he got the fright of his life to find his daughter Teresa McGrath from Oakland Park and other sister Kay Corbett from Bishops Court and all his workmates all waiting to join in his celebration.

All credit goes out to his P.A. Roisin Morton from Inniskeen who had organised the entire party!

I was only in the door when I met up with the birthday boy who smiled at me and said 'I must be doing something right' and with the huge crowd there, I could only agree with him.

I then got talking to his 'older' sister Kay Corbett from Bishops Court who was with her sister Theresa Hardy from Ardee Road and his daughter Teresa McGrath and she wanted to wish 'the young fella' all the best on his big night.

Making my way into the crowds I met up with Marie Dargle from Dublin and Debbie Gorman from Mount Avenue who work for John and said he's a great boss and were delighted to see the look on his face when he arrived in to find them all there waiting for him.

Beside them I then got a word with Shauna Taggart from Haggardstown and Briege Fox from Aghameen who wanted to wish him a very happy birthday and congratulations on 20 years in business.

Making my way over to one of the big tables where I caught up with a bunch of ladies who were all looking exceptionally well and included Kellie Quinn from Ashling Park, Sharon Mills from Beechmount Drive, Michelle Ryan from Broomfield (not Ard Easmuinn!), Sandra Fox from Greenacres, Siobhan McElroy from Blackrock, Kelly Byrne from Ashling Park, Evonne Mulligan from Barrack Street who told me he is really the fairest boss and they are his worship babies!

After this I got a quick word with Pat Farrell from Kingswood and Noel Lennon from Greenacres who were having a great laugh together and told me the session was only warming up.

Beside them I then got talking to Trevor Dolan from Greenacres and Damien Douglas from Mullaharlin Park who told me that he was 'just alright' to work for, then laughed and told me he's 'a great boss' to have!

Not too long later I then got talking to Bridie Finnegan from Wolfe Tone Terrace, Elizabeth Fraj from Union Street and Ann McParland from Claddagh Park who told me they are the three hardest workers in the business and nearly didn't have enough time to be there on the night.

I then caught up with Sarah Neary from Redbarns Road who told me he is a wonderful boss and they were going to have a brilliant night altogether.

Making my way over to another table I then got talking to well known twins Hannah and Rebecca Cunningham's mum Paula from Headford who was having a laugh with Ita Molocca from Nicholas Avenue, Ann Manning and Angela Finnegan both from Mountpleasant, Dolores Doherty from Seafield Lawns and Betty Farrell from Waterville Crescent who were there for a major night of celebrations with John.

Next I got a word with Arthur Burns and Brendan Cahill both from Greenacres who were having a great laugh with Darragh Callan from Stonetown.

Finally, before we departed I headed over for a chat with Eleanor Mulholland from Inniskeen, Donna Connolly from Rosslough who wanted to say well done to Roisin Morton for organising such a great party and they were with Michelle O'Flaherty from Tallanstown and Finn 'Staples' Conroy from O'Hanlon Park who were there to party and they just hoped that the birthday boy John was going to be able to keep up with them!